So there we were, forming up in No.2 dress uniform with rifles and fixed bayonets (always scope for a disaster there), just off the parade square at camp in Norfolk, being put through our final inspection and paces by the Company Sergeant Major prior to going onto the main square for the RSM's parade at the end of the first week of camp.

Formed up opposite us was, I think E Company, but I could be wrong. We were stood "easy" as were they, but they were stood "very easy", scratching and fiddling etc.

Their CSM decided on a bit more practice so prepared them for the command to stand at attention with the customer "COMPANY!" shout. At this point you should of course snap into the "at ease" position read for the "attention".

Unfortunately, one soldier in the front rank facing us had his rifle angled a little too much towards the soldier on his right, while the soldier on the right was busy scratching his nose (I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here!) with his left hand (you can probably see where this is all leading!).

When they heard the command, the soldier with the rifle pushed it out to the "at ease" position while the other soldier brought his left hand down sharply to his side, unfortunately slashing the inside of his wrist over the tip of the edge of the bayonet in so doing! The soldier quickly pulled up his arm to look at his wrist which was now spurting blood onto the ground in front of him. Those around him were aghast and apparently frozen to the spot. A Sergeant quickly assumed command but was clearly uncertain what to do.

So the Sergeant issued an "interesting" order for the soldiers either side to ground their weapons, grab the unfortunate under the arm and "Run him round to the medical room – quick!" (probably not a good move!). This they proceeded to do, which raised the unfortunates heart rate and blood spurted even quicker!

Meanwhile, another soldier in the front rank seemed transfixed by the pool of blood which had formed and passed out, falling flat on his face and dropping his weapon with a clatter. The Sergeant of the Company was by now predictably doing his nut and shouting at just about everyone.

Meanwhile, most of G Company were either grinning, laughing or convulsed. Leading their Sergeants (and as I recall ours as well) shouting at us in "it ain't half hot mum" fashion to "SHUT UP – IT'S NOT FUNNY – IT NOT!". I suppose it is pretty vicious to find such happenings funny, but that's the way it was.

By the way, the soldier was fine and I believe patched up by a certain laconic Sgt Joe Byrne – any confirmation there Joe?

Last updated 7/12/00